Party planning kit with coupons and method

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a packaged kit to assist a person in planning and executing a social event, especially a groom&#39;s pre-wedding party. The kit comprises a box or envelope containing preferably everything the host will need to put on a successful party. For example, the kit will contain a complete set of instructions for the host, plus optionally a scheduling form and a checklist. The kit will also contain invitations for each invitee with directions to the event, and envelopes with adhesive-backed labels for printing from a mailing list on a computerized printer. Also, the kit will contain coupons and/or gift certificates from manufacturers and/or retailers for each invitee, as well as, optionally, for the guest. The kit may also contain thank-you notes for the guest with pre-printed address labels to the invitees, for convenience. The kit may be hard copy, computer disk or Internet enabled, for example.

This application claims priority of Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/818764, filed Jul. 5, 2006, and entitled “Invitation Kit With Coupons And Method,” which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to social events and parties. More specifically, this invention relates to a packaged kit to assist a person in planning and executing a social event, for example, a groom's pre-wedding party.

2. Related Art

There have been kits available for assisting a person in planning and executing a social event. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,911 to Wilson discloses a 3-ring binder with index-tabbed planning stage sections containing instruction sheets, preprinted forms and storage containers.

Also, U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,949 to Amato discloses a party kit for serving guests. The kit comprises a box with pockets on its sides for storing and dispensing utensils, tableware and napkins. The box has a covering so that it may function also as a serving platform.

Also, U.S. Published Application No. 2002/0185859 A1 of Reger, et al. discloses an event planning guide comprising an accordion style folder encased in a matchbook style cover. The guide holds invitations, envelopes, booklets and the like relating to a social event.

Also, U.S. Pat. No. 6,506,056 to DeMedio discloses an event planner with a visual seating chart organizer. The organizer takes into account the event room floor plan, as well as fixtures and equipment. Then, key people characterizations may be fastened to the room fixtures for assisting in planning the event.

Still, there is a need for a packaged event planning kit with increased benefits for the planner, special guest and invitees, for example, for a groom's pre-wedding party. This invention addresses this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a packaged kit to assist a person in planning and executing a social event, especially a groom's pre-wedding party. The kit comprises a box or envelope containing preferably everything the host will need to put on a successful party. For example, the kit will contain a complete set of instructions for the host, plus preferably a scheduling form and a checklist. The kit will also contain invitations and “RSVP's” for each invitee with directions to the event, and envelopes with adhesive-backed labels for printing from a mailing list on a computer. Also, the kit will contain coupons and/or gift certificates from manufacturers and/or retailers for each invitee, as well as, optionally, for the guest and the host. This way, the packaged kit obtains a marketing advantage for the manufacturers and/or retailers which sponsor the coupons and/or gift certificates which are meant to be used by the invitees to purchase gifts for the guest. Also, this way the packaged kit obtains a high value for to the host by multiplying the benefits for the guest by the number of attendees. The kit may also contain thank-you notes for the guest with pre-printed address labels to the attendees, for convenience. The kit may be hard copy, computer disk or Internet enabled, for example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top, perspective view of an envelope embodiment for the kit of the instant invention.

FIG. 2 is a top, perspective view of a box embodiment for the kit of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a detail view of an example of the indicia on the front of the envelope of FIG. 1 or the box of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3-A is a detail view of an example of the indicia on the back of the envelope of FIG. 1 or the box of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a set of top, perspective views of examples of included envelopes for mailing included invitations for one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a set of top, perspective views of examples of included “RSVP” envelopes and cards for mailing with the invitations of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a set of sample product coupons for inclusion with the invitations of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is an example of a contents indicator sheet for one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7-A is another example of the indicator sheet of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is an example of a question-and-answer, plus general instructions, sheet for one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8-A is another example of the question-and-answer, plus general instructions, sheet of FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 is an example of a special code sheet for creating an on-line account for one party according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a set of images showing a sample of a coupon being stuffed in an invitation envelope and mailed according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is an example of a “welcome” screen page from an Internet version of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is an example of a screen page regarding coupons for one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic depiction of one flow chart for practicing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 14-49 are sample pages from the informational booklet included in one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the Figures, there is shown several, but not the only, embodiments of the invented packaged kit. FIGS. 1-3-A depict labels for the box or envelope for one embodiment of the present invention. A proposed logo to be used with a trademark for the kit is depicted in FIG. 3. In this case, the terms, TOOL BASH™, depicted in FIG. 3, is a proposed trademark for a preferred embodiment of the invention wherein the packaged kit is for planning a groom's pre-wedding part. A proposed informational panel for the kit is depicted in FIG. 3-A. A proposed question-and-answer panel for the kit is also depicted in FIG. 3-A. A proposed “welcome page” for the website for working on the Internet with the kit is depicted in FIG. 11.

According to the present invention, the packaged kit may include a hard copy binder or book or other collection of paper pages, and may be contained in an envelope or box. In this regard, hardcopy critical path scheduling diagrams and checklists forms, not shown in the Figures, may also be provided. Alternatively, the packaged kit may include at least portions which reside on a computer disk with all the necessary information, diagrams and forms becoming available to the user when the disk is utilized in a computer. Also, alternatively, the packaged kit may include at least portions which reside on the Internet, or on a local intranet. In this alternative embodiment, the necessary information, diagrams and forms become available to the user when an appropriate website or other digital address is accessed. This way, the kit of the invention may be hard copy, computer disk, or Internet or intranet enabled, for example.

FIGS. 14-49 depict pages from a proposed information and instruction set for a preferred embodiment of the invention wherein the packaged kit is for planning a groom's pre-wedding party. The instructions help enable the host to properly execute first the planning process, and ultimately properly execute the planned party. The instructions must be clear and complete, so that no feature of the party is not provided for in advance. Some general items to be determined for all parties include:

date, time and place of event;

whom to invite;

what to serve for food and beverages;

how the food and beverages will be provided;

whether special activities such as games or sports will be conducted; and,

whether special attire or equipment or permits are required, for example.

Then, as depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5 instructions and material must be provided for invitations, and preferably also for “RSVP” return postcards to be prepared, addressed to the invitees and mailed, preferably with return postage prepaid for the RSVP postcards. Then, as RSVP postcards arrive back at preferably the host's address, instructions and checklists must be provided for proper counting and ordering of food and beverages according to the count. The instructions may also be in hard copy, computer disk or Internet or intranet format.

FIGS. 4 and 5 depict sample invitations with envelopes and RSVP postcards for one embodiment of the invention. These elements of the invention are designed to quickly inform the invitee of the upcoming event, and to permit the invitee to quickly and conveniently respond to preferably the host with the enclosed, stamped, addressed RSVP. In this case, the RSVP may be detachable from the invitation at the indicated line near the middle of the card. After responding, the invitation remains as a reminder with the invitee.

Importantly, included within each invitation is a coupon, advertisement or gift certificate or notice of other prepared marketing incentive directed to the invitee, as depicted in FIG. 6. These marketing incentives/coupons may be of conventional manufacture. If a coupon, this coupon is arranged for in advance with the coupon sponsor by the entity which manufacturers and markets the packaged kit. Depending on the particular demographics of the guest and the invitees for the particular type of party kit, the kit manufacturer solicits coupons from other manufacturers for products or services which are expected to be desired by the guest/invitees. For example, for a groom's pre-wedding party, the guest/invitees will probably be young men. For a bride's pre-wedding party, on the other hand, the guest/invitees will probably be young women. This approach may be adopted for many, different party or occasion types. For example, planning kits, with cooperating trade dress themes and coupon or other incentive inserts or advertising inserts, may also be designed for:

baby showers;

baptisms and other religious events;

birthdays (including for different sexes and age groups);

farewells;

graduations;

anniversaries;

promotions;

housewarmings; and

retirements, for example.

Whenever a social or professional gathering or event takes place, then, and gifts are in order to be brought by the invitees, the planning and execution techniques of this invention are applicable.

The coupons or other incentives included with the invitations are intended to be used by the invitees to buy gifts for the guest. This way, the manufacturers which sponsor the coupons obtain a marketing advantage in the relevant goods or services. However, the invitee is not required to use the coupon for the benefit of the guest. Therefore, the advantage for the coupon sponsor does not depend solely upon the fact of attendance by the invitee. In any event, by means of this invention, the manufacturer obtains pointed focus by prospective purchases of the relevant goods and services.

FIG. 11 depicts a sample website homepage for one embodiment of the invention. The website is an optional, but helpful, feature. At the website, there will be product descriptions of the packaged kit. Currently available versions, as well as planned versions, will be discussed. Also, at the website, customers will be able to order the packaged kit. Also, via the website, the public will be able to contact the kit manufacturer with questions and suggestions or other comments. After a person buys a packaged kit, for example, that person may be granted access to more exclusive parts of the website as with the on-line account number depicted in FIG. 1, for example. There, the customer, for example, the host, may interact to create a special homepage for the planned event, and make it available to the invitees either privately or publicly. Also there, at an icon named “LABELS”, for example, (not shown) the host may interact to create the invitations and RSVP's and even mail them electronically. In this regard, invitees may also interact with the website to RSVP, and, at an icon named “LINKS”, for example, (not shown) review catalogs for products or services available from the manufacturers which sponsor the coupons.

Other, optional items may be included in the packaged kit of the present invention. For example, party decorations, like banners and streamers, may be included. Also for example, party favors, like small gifts and novelties for the attendees may be included. Also for example, gags for the host may be included, like a squeeze ball to help relieve the stress of planning and executing the social event.

Although this invention has been described above with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed particulars, but extends instead to all equivalents within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A packaged kit to assist a host in planing and executing a social event, comprising: a package, containing a set of instructions relating to the social event for the host; a set of invitations and instructions for people invited to the social event; and, a prepared marketing incentive.
 2. The kit of claim 1 wherein the package is a box or envelope.
 3. The kit of claim 1 which also contains a scheduling form.
 4. The kit of claim 1 which also contains a checklist.
 5. The kit of claim 1 which also contains thank-you notes for people who attend the social event.
 6. The kit of claim 1 which is enabled by a computer.
 7. The kit of claim 7 which is enabled on the internet. 